The Revelation of Rest: Why I’m Learning to Stop Doing and Start Being

In life, we often find ourselves navigating a path filled with expectations. You start a career, and suddenly, you’re boxed into what’s next, who you’re supposed to be, and what “makes sense.” If that career aligns with your passions and purpose, those expectations might even help guide you. But more often than not, we lean on these societal guideposts to direct us—sometimes at the expense of listening to our hearts.

For me, I’ve always been someone who chases what sets my soul on fire, even if it means taking the harder path. I refuse to settle for complacency, which has been both my superpower and my struggle. On the one hand, it drives me to stand firm in my beliefs, take bold action, and tackle hard things without fear. On the other hand, my constant striving makes it difficult to find peace and rest. And I’m realizing now, I don’t rest. Like, ever.

Since becoming a mom just over two years ago, rest has felt impossible. Sure, I take breaks here and there—grabbing a nap when exhaustion from pregnancy or parenthood forces me to—but I don’t allow myself to simply be. Even when I get a rare moment to myself, it’s filled with productivity: catching up on work, maintaining friendships, or checking off yet another task that “needs” to be done. Rest isn’t just elusive; it’s nonexistent.

Recently, I started seeing my husband’s work addiction in a new light. After a therapy breakthrough, he admitted to being addicted to work—and while it wasn’t a surprise to me or anyone else, it was a revelation for him. It struck me deeply because, in my own way, I’m in the same boat. I’m addicted to doing.

It wasn’t until today, sitting in church, that I felt like this realization was handed to me on a silver platter. During worship, I surrendered my plans and desires, begging God to take control of my life. And in that moment, I felt something I hadn’t before: clarity. God has been trying to show me that my lack of peace isn’t because I’m not “doing enough” but because I’m doing too much. I’ve been so busy trying to handle everything myself that I’ve left no space for Him to work.

Scripture talks about rest—not just physical rest but a soul-level rest that comes from trusting God completely. I think the reason God is calling me to rest is so I can stop finding peace in my productivity and start finding it in Him.

When I reflect on this, it’s clear He’s been revealing this lesson to me in small pieces over time, but I’ve been too busy doing to notice. I’ve said I’m giving my life to God, but in reality, I’ve been too distracted by my constant busyness to let Him take the wheel. All of my “doing” has been a distraction from the deeper work God wants to do in my life.

So now, the question isn’t just about recognizing the need for rest—it’s about figuring out how to actually embrace it. How do I stop tying my value to what I accomplish? How do I give myself permission to rest in Him instead of filling every quiet moment with noise?

If you’re like me and find yourself in a constant cycle of doing, maybe it’s time to ask yourself the same questions. Rest isn’t just something we need—it’s something God wants for us. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about making room for what really matters. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know this: I’m ready to start listening.